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The Mythical Magic of Crete

Pristine beaches, deep mountain gorges and vestiges of great civilizations. Like a gift from the gods, Crete is a cyclist's paradise. Find your rhythm as you pedal seemingly forgotten roads on the outskirts of bustling port towns. Bike to the top of every climb. Or savor tranquil moments at seaside cafés. It's always up to you. Let yourself be charmed by old-world villages and olive groves. And at every turn, revel in the island's legendary hospitality as you explore this mythical land from coast to coast.

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Read the Straight Talk

Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Terrain & Shuttles

Crete is renowned for its spectacular mountain ranges and dramatic gorges. The routes on this trip take you through the best of this diverse landscape, with some steep ascents and descents. Level sections of riding are few and far between, and the seaside winters can leave the roads weathered and worn. Also note that some routes follow quiet winding roads with little or no shoulder.

We'll flatten some of the hills with strategic shuttles to give you a boost (and to bypass some busier areas), but you should be comfortable with some long downhills or hopping in the van for a lift.

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Terrain & Shuttles

Crete is renowned for its spectacular mountain ranges and dramatic gorges. The routes on this trip take you through the best of this diverse landscape, with some steep ascents and descents. Level sections of riding are few and far between, and the seaside winters can leave the roads weathered and worn. Also note that some routes follow quiet winding roads with little or no shoulder.

We'll flatten some of the hills with strategic shuttles to give you a boost (and to bypass some busier areas), but you should be comfortable with some long downhills or hopping in the van for a lift.

Itinerary

Day
1Stroll the seaside city of Rethymno's historic center, shaped by Venetian and Ottoman cultures and one of the most charming and best preserved on Crete Enjoy an easygoing ride past olive groves and vineyards as you make your way down to the Aegean through forested hills Dip your toes in the sea or continue on two wheels, climbing to traditional hamlets.

Day
2An unforgettable coast-to-coast ride between the island's two impressive mountain ranges Before entering the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, listen for the sound of kourtala (claps) as wind zips through high caves A dip in the Mediterranean might be the perfect finale to your ride Discover the inviting square, spring-fed waterfalls and ancient ruins of Argiroupolis.

Days
3-4Savor fresh seafood and other local delicacies while overlooking the colorful Venetian port in Chania, whose history dates back to the Neolithic Age Take the high road above the coast for dazzling views of the Kiliaris Valley and Souda Bay Sample organic olive oils at a family-owned farm before biking to the shoreline, sharing the road with flocks of sheep.

Days
5-6Sunny skies and diverse natural beauty Pedal on rolling terrain through groves of citrus and olive trees en route to the village of Meskla Ready for a challenge? Ascend 2,500 feet for breathtaking views of Chania and the sea below Then enjoy a long wonderful descent to the coast amid a montage of remarkable scenery Ride the rocky Akrotiri Peninsula along the seaside and through a small town whose beach was featured in Zorba the Greek.

Casa Delfino

Guest Reviews About This Trip

All of my expectations that I had set before going on the trip were greatly exceeded. Crete's drastic topography and landscape offered some of the most extraordinary biking I can imagine from deep gorges to grueling mountain climbs followed by seemingly endless downhills to relaxing coastline rides. The accommodations and food were top-notch, I felt myself having to continually having to reevaluate my expectations as each day of the trip seemed to be a little better than the last.

Scott Black- Pittsburgh, PA

Excellent, as usual. My wife and I love to travel but hate to plan. With Backroads you just show up as you have done all the work. This was our first real international trip (we have gone to PEI) with Backroads. It's a wonderful way to see the world.

This Trip Is Rated Level 2-4

Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Daily Route Options

Day

EASYGOING

ACTIVE

AVID

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

1

19*

500

30

600

36

1800

2

21*

300

34*

2700

49

3200

3

19*

1400

45

3200

4

21*

1000

38*

1800

49*

2100

62

2400

5

26*

1200

38*

1300

44*

2500

6

20*

1100

note:

* Includes a shuttle

Crank it up While this trip is best for guests looking for a level 2-4 cycling experience, on several days additional riding is possible, with plenty of climbs to boot.

Private Trips Options & Pricing

Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities.

You can pick from a large selection of dates for your group of 8 or more. Call us for date availability.

If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.